Next Vision: Leadership, Creativity and the New Era of Design
Release Date: 02/07/2026
Artificial Intelligence and The Future of Design
BEYOND THESE SPACES
In this episode of INDEX Podcast: Beyond These Spaces, host Firas Alsahin sits down with renowned architect and design innovator Mohammed Adib to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and the future of design. From streamlining workflows to reshaping client expectations, the conversation dives into how AI is transforming the creative process while challenging the industry to preserve the human intuition at its core. Together, they unpack whether AI is a tool, a collaborator, or a potential disruptor, and what it truly means for creativity, architecture, and the...
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Next Vision: Leadership, Creativity and the New Era of Design
BEYOND THESE SPACES
In this episode, we welcome Diane, Design Principal and Global Hospitality Lead at Gensler, for a wide-ranging conversation on human-centric design, leadership, and the future of cities and hospitality. With over 30 years of global experience and 18 years in the Middle East, Diane shares how designing from the inside out—grounded in cultural intelligence, sustainability, and wellbeing—has shaped her career and creative philosophy. The discussion explores how hospitality is evolving into experience-driven, emotionally connected environments that blend living, working, and community. Diane...
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THE SYNERGY BETWEEN AN OPERATOR AND AN OWNER IN HOSPITALITY
BEYOND THESE SPACES
Join us on the Design and Hospitality podcast series featuring hospitality leaders, Maya Ziadeh, Chief Development Office (CDO) at Accor and Alexander Suski, CEO and Founder at Beetroot Consultants as they unveil the symbiotic relationship between owners and operators in the hospitality industry. In this episode our speakers navigate the evolving landscape of an owner-operator relationship, offering insights into the changing dynamics and contrasting scenarios over the past decade. Delve into the evolution of operating models, with a special focus on the dynamic context of...
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THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DESIGN: INFLUENCE OF VISUALS ON HUMAN BEHAVIOR
BEYOND THESE SPACES
Tune into the Design and Hospitality podcast series and get to know design psychology in-depth with the insightful Pallavi Dean, Founder & CEO at Roar. In this episode, Pallavi shares her expertise on the Psychology of Design and the influence of Visuals on Human Behavior. Covering facets of color psychology, revealing the profound impact different hues can have on emotions and reactions whilst bringing into focus the concept of visual hierarchy and its crucial role in guiding a user’s attention and comprehension, this session has it all. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Pallavi...
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BALANCING PERSONALIZATION AND EFFICIENCY IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
BEYOND THESE SPACES
Enter the realm of digital transformation in this episode of the Design & Hospitality podcast series, featuring Judit Toth, Founder & CEO at Vivere Hospitality and General Manager at INK Hotel along with Sanjay Sharma, Chief Technology Officer at Orascom Hotels Management. In this conversation, our speakers delve into the hospitality sector in the UAE, they navigate the delicate balance between delivering personalized services and ensuring operational efficiency, particularly in the context of leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI chatbots to streamline services. Our experts...
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THE DESIGNER CONTRACTOR JOURNEY
BEYOND THESE SPACES
In this episode of the Design and Hospitality podcast series we bring to you a collaboration between a designer and a contractor featuring insights from seasoned interior designer , Co-founder & Design Director at 4SPACE and acclaimed contractor , General Manager at . In this episode, our speakers bring into focus the impact of a seamless synergy between designers and contractors, weaving together artistic vision and practical execution to elevate any project’s success. The duo shares insights into overcoming common collaborative challenges and the need for adaptability and...
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The FUTURE OF F&B
BEYOND THESE SPACES
Let’s explore the future of Food and Beverage (F&B) in this episode of the Design & Hospitality podcast series featuring industry experts Alex Moser, Cluster Director of Food & Beverage at the and , Co-Founder at Group JKP. In this enlightening session, the speakers delve into pivotal aspects of the F&B landscape from addressing key initiatives for enhancing sustainability to highlighting the crucial link between mindful eating and individual well-being. Gain valuable insights into sustainable practices for F&B businesses and strategies to attract and retain...
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THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE AND RETENTION IN INTERIOR DESIGN
BEYOND THESE SPACES
In this inspiring episode, we uncover the journey of a young designer Laura Lee, a talented interior designer from DLR Group. Join us as Laura shares insightful perspectives on the significance of culture and retention in the field of interior design. In this inspiring conversation, explore the highlights of Laura's career, as she takes us through her achievements and projects that have paved the way for her success. Gain valuable insights into the dynamic intersection of culture and retention, and how these elements contribute to a thriving career in interior design.
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SUSTAINIBILITY AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE
BEYOND THESE SPACES
S Step into the future vision of workplaces with our latest episode, featuring Savas Cizmeci, Portfolio Manager at Microsoft Middle East. Join us on an insightful journey as Savas unveils the exciting steps Microsoft is taking to shape a sustainable and hybrid work environment. In this episode, Savas delves deep into the role of technology in driving these transformative changes both on a global scale and within the dynamic offices of the UAE. From innovative strategies to real-world implementations, Savas provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship...
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IMPORTANCE OF DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY IN DESIGN
BEYOND THESE SPACES
Prepare to get inspired in this episode of the Design and Hospitality podcast series, where we bring you insights from the dynamic duo Pooja Shah Mulani, Partner, Design Director at LW and Naim Maddad Chief Executive, Founder at Gates Hospitality. Join us as we delve into the intricate world of creating spaces that seamlessly blend functionality and authenticity. In this conversation, Pooja and Naim share their expertise, unraveling the significance of balancing form and purpose in the design process. Eager to explore how demographic influences shape the evolution of design? If so, you're in...
info_outlineIn this episode, we welcome Diane, Design Principal and Global Hospitality Lead at Gensler, for a wide-ranging conversation on human-centric design, leadership, and the future of cities and hospitality. With over 30 years of global experience and 18 years in the Middle East, Diane shares how designing from the inside out—grounded in cultural intelligence, sustainability, and wellbeing—has shaped her career and creative philosophy.
The discussion explores how hospitality is evolving into experience-driven, emotionally connected environments that blend living, working, and community. Diane reflects on the role of design leadership in building diverse, confident teams, nurturing next-generation talent, and creating studio cultures that encourage both psychological safety and creative excellence. She also shares insights from her work mentoring young designers through her involvement with American University of Dubai.
Looking ahead, the episode examines the rise of human-centric cities, the impact of WELL and LEED frameworks, and why the Middle East has become a global laboratory for visionary urban development. The conversation closes with forward-looking perspectives on emerging trends, future hospitality experiences, and advice for designers shaping tomorrow’s built environment.